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There are many applications to using rhinestones today. From jewelry pieces, to clothing and even home decorating, rhinestones make a dazzling impact. Truly, these small pieces of crystal are impossible to ignore as they reflect light. However, if you’re newly acquainted with rhinestones, you may be confused with some of the different rhinestone brands for sale. There are 2 big names in crystal rhinestones, Swarovski and Preciosa. While there are some other brand names such as Lux and PriceLess, these are generally less well known. Finally, there are many non-brand name rhinestones mainly manufactured in Asia. Rhinestone brands have different price structures with Swarovski being the most expensive and the lesser known brands cheaper. Generally, this is due to the number of rhinestone facets and the material used in the manufacture of the rhinestone.  Preciosa Rhinestones The origins of manufactured rhinestones begin in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. There skilled artisans honed their craft into producing the early version of rhinestones. Yet, it wasn’t until 1948 that these companies merged together to form the present-day company Preciosa. Preciosa’s most popular rhinestone is the Viva 12. Made with high quality crystal, this number of rhinestone facets is 12. In 2013, the company introduced its lead-free rhinestone the Maxima. This rhinestone has a patented 15 facet cut into crystal produced without the use of toxic lead. It’s available in 39 colors, 16 coatings and 53 different sizes. Swarovski Rhinestones In the crystal valley of Bohemia, Daniel Swarovski made his living as a jeweler. In 1895, after patenting an electric cutting machine that cut crystal more precisely, he moved to Austria. There he opened a factory where he began to make his crystal rhinestones. Always innovative, the company unveiled the Aurora Borealis effect in 1955 which makes rhinestones shimmer in every shade of the rainbow. Today, Swarovski continues its cutting-edge tradition introducing new palettes of color, shapes or cuts. Additionally, the company strives continuously to implement more greener sustainable manufacturing processes. In 2012, the company introduced its certified lead-free crystal. Presently, their rhinestone, the Xirius, has the greatest number of rhinestone facets of any manufacturer, 16. Moreover, Swarovski Rhinestones are available in numerous sizes and a total of over 100 intensely vibrant colors and effects. 
Other Rhinestone Manufacturers There are many other rhinestones manufacturers of rhinestones generally at a fraction of the cost of the big-name brands. The Asian markets in particular, produce a large amount of quality crystal rhinestones. Typically, these rhinestones have less facets, usually between 8 and 12. Other manufactures also may use glass rather than crystal eliminating the prismatic effect of crystal. Additionally, less colors may be available in some of these lesser known rhinestone makers. Do You Need a Rhinestone Brand for Your Project? Some projects such as a wedding gown may require a top of the line brand-name rhinestone. Other times, you may be able to use a lesser known rhinestones manufacturer. When considering a rhinestone brand for your project, think about your budget, scope and amount you need. If you decide you can use a lesser known brand, search for reviews of the product before you buy. Be sure to check out the inventory at Rhinestones Etc, carrying a huge selection of Preciosa Maxima Rhinestones. Selling rhinestones online for over 10 years, we process and ship your rhinestones quickly.
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If you’ve recently gotten engaged, you’ll soon begin planning for your wedding. And although it may seem like it’s so far off into the distance, time has a way of moving fast. Thus, it’s never to early to start working on ideas to make your day special. Typically, weddings are expensive, and many brides and grooms make some things themselves to save on costs. There are a ton of websites and blogs dedicated to the DIYer planning a wedding. You can make your own decorations, favors, and table settings. My DIY place card holders are simple to make and can double as picture holders. For this project I used: A terra cotta pot about 2.75 inches in diameter Metallic gold spray paint Clear acrylic sealer Gold wire (use a smaller gauge for a sturdier, thicker wire - I used 18 gauge) 12ss crystal rhinestones Gem-tac or E6000  How to make a DIY Place Card Holder Begin by spray painting the terra cotta pot with metallic gold paint. Be sure to paint in a well-ventilated area. Once it is completely dry, spray it with a coat of clear acrylic sealant. Allow the sealant to dry completely as well. Measure and cut a piece of gold wire about 16 inches long. Bend one end into a circle about 1 inch in diameter.  This will go on the inside and help to keep the wire standing upright. Place this in the hole of the pot with the unbent end sticking out.  Now take a highlighter or some other household item about ¾ of an inch in diameter. Bend the top part of the wire around the highlighter to achieve a loop. Continue bending the wire around the highlighter several times until you run out of wire.  Which Glues are Best to Use? Next, we’re going to glue crystal 12ss rhinestones around the pot to add some sparkle. You can use either Gem-Tac or E6000. I prefer E6000 for this type of project because I can use less glue and still create a secure bond. However, many crafters do not like E6000 because of the toxicity warnings. Always use in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Gem-Tac is safe to use and works equally well. With this said, it can sometimes leave glue blobs on this type of project. There are other glue alternatives you can use, but I have not tested them. Just make sure the glue is safe for the type of rhinestone you are using. For example, some glues are not for use with acrylic rhinestones. Next, make sure the glue dries clear. Finally, make sure it creates a good bond to the surface you are gluing. Nothing is worse than having rhinestones peel off from your project. I chose to glue rhinestones around the bottom ledge of the pot. This makes it easy to keep a nice even line. Once you’ve glued rhinestones around completely, leave to dry for 24 hours.
Simple and Easy to Make DIY Place Card Holders Now that you’ve got the basic idea, you can personalize this DIY place card holder to match your wedding colors. You can change the color of the paint or rhinestones to compliment the table setting. Then again, you may want to try using smaller terra cotta pots. Finally, if you need to buy rhinestones to make this project, come by and visit Rhinestones Etc. We have a large selection of rhinestones at competitive prices. Browse our online store to find your color! Since Czech glass makers began hand-crafting rhinestones, jewelry makers and designers have used them in their creations. Today, blinging out items continues to be very popular and fashionable. Yet, buying clothes already rhinestoned is expensive. By learning how to attach rhinestones to fabric you can save yourself a bundle and still look great. Best Ways to Attach Rhinestones To Fabric Fundamentally, it seems the list of items you can bling out is endless: handbags, shoes, key fobs, and sunglasses. Usually, to attach rhinestones to accessories, you’ll need to use an adhesive. Yet, you’ll find 4 primary ways to attach rhinestones to fabric: 1. Sew on Rhinestones Generally, a sew on rhinestone has two pre-drilled holes in the crystal. Sew on rhinestones usually offer a wide variety of shapes including navette, triangle, square, and round. Often, these rhinestones are available in different colors including the popular crystal and crystal AB. Another type of sew on rhinestone is the rose montee. These rhinestones lay in a metal setting that has cross channels underneath. A needle can easily pass through the enclosed grooves to secure it to the fabric. Additionally, a thin wire can pass through the channels to create stunning jewelry.  2. Metal Settings For Rhinestones For round rhinestones, you'll find two basic types of metal settings, Tiffany and rim. Both settings have prongs that pierce through the fabric while holding the rhinestone in place. The difference between them is how they secure the rhinestone. Tiffany settings attach from the inside of the garment. The prongs pierce through to the outside of the fabric to grab the rhinestone. You then bend the prongs to hold the rhinestone in place. On the other hand, rim settings attach from the outside of the fabric. A rim surrounds the rhinestone on the outside of the material. Then you bend the prongs on the inside of the garment to secure the crystal.  3. Hotfix Rhinestones Another type of round rhinestone is the hotfix. These have glue applied to the back side of the stone. By applying heat, you melt or activate the glue. When it cools, it becomes solid again firmly attaching to the fabric. Usually, it takes about 5 minutes for the glue to cool. However, the glue requires 24 hours to completely cure. Generally, you can apply heat using one of the following methods:
Most hotfix rhinestone manufacturers recommend a temperature range of 250 degrees F – 340 degrees F to activate the glue. Moreover, not all fabrics will allow penetration of the glue for adequate bonding. For example, you’ll need to avoid materials pre-treated with stain resistors, softeners, or Teflon. Typically, it’s always advisable to do a water pearl test first to determine if the material will absorb the glue. Place a drop of water on the fabric. If the water pearls, the fabric isn’t suitable for hotfix rhinestones. However, if the material readily absorbs the water droplet, hotfix rhinestones will bond to it. 4. Flat Back Rhinestones Undoubtedly, the most popular form of attaching rhinestones to fabric is with the use of glue. When choosing your adhesive, check with the manufacturer to see that it is good for rhinestones, washable, and dries clear. Above all, the most important thing to remember when learning how to attach rhinestones to fabric is the gluing technique. Use a drop of glue slightly smaller than the rhinestone. When you gently press the rhinestone into the glue drop, some glue should ooze out from the sides. This is very important as it helps to create a seal that prevents the rhinestone from peeling off. If your rhinestones fall off it is most likely due to using too little glue. Most glues are multi-purpose, allowing you to glue rhinestones sunglasses, tumblers, and other accessories. However, some adhesives create a stronger bond on some surfaces. For example, glass or metal is very smooth and requires a stronger glue such as E6000. Fabric or paper is porous and you can use glue such as Gem-Tac. Again, before you begin your project, check with the manufacturer to ensure the adhesive will create a strong bond.  FAQs About How to Attach Rhinestones To Fabric Do you still have questions about how to attach rhinestones to fabric? Below, we answer a few of our most commonly asked questions. If you have others, please contact us here. Is One Way of Attaching Rhinestones To Fabric Better than Others? Any method you choose will securely attach your rhinestones and usually, it’s just a matter of preference. However, sometimes, you may find certain shapes only in sew on. Can You Attach Rhinestones to Sheer Fabrics? Yes. We recommend that you place a piece of wax paper underneath the fabric to avoid gluing layers together. Once the glue has cured, simply peel off the wax paper. Where Can I Buy Rhinestones? Rhinestones Etc. wants to be your source for all your bling supplies. We offer fast shipping, competitive pricing, and great customer service. Browse our online store to find the perfect color and size rhinestone for your project. |
KarenI have been adding bling for over 20 years. Through my projects, I hope you find inspiration. Categories
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